Experienced pair join Under 20s coaching staff

Huntly FC have announced their new coaching team to take charge of the under 20s squad.

First team players John Farquhar and Neale Davidson along with former player and Coach Charlie Ferries took charge of the side for the first time on Monday night following the departure of 2016/17 Aberdeenshire League winning coach Christopher Baird.

After suffering a fourth leg break in pre-season, Neale Davidson was delighted to be given the chance to give something back to the club who brought him into the Highland League in 2011.

“The injury has put an end to the rest of my season and I don’t know what’s going to happen longer term so Martin Skinner got in touch last weekend asked if I’d be interested in helping out with the under 20s with John. It was ideal for me, since I’ve been injured I’ve lost touch a bit as I’ve not been getting up to games so it’s good to be back involved and being around the club.

it was shown after the defeat on Monday we’ve got a bit of work to do, we’re lucky we’ve linked up with some junior sides too to help them develop, Lewis Ifi for example is playing for my dad (Ian) at Stoneywood Parkvale and I’ve seen enough of his sides over the years to know it’s a good league to play in, I did it for four years and playing junior football and under 20s is good for a lot of the younger players.”

After 181 appearances and 14 goals for the club since debuting in March 2011, Davidson (27) is keen to pass on his experience to the younger players.

“I’d like to think I’ve played enough games of football I can share my knowledge and ideas. I can certainly help the players that play in the same role I do but going forward it’s been something I’d want to get into. John is an experienced keeper himself and it’s good we’ve got the two of us with the experience of Charlie you can always bounce ideas off each other.”

John Farquhar admitted he is looking forward to his new position as he looks to combine the playing and coaching role.

“It’s something that’s came about after Chris (Baird) left his role, myself and Neale were asked if we’d be interesting in take the job which is maybe the natural next step to get into coaching. Neale has been unlucky with injuries and I’m getting a wee bit older and coaching is something I’m quite keen to do.

It’s a role which will take a bit of time getting used to, we saw against Formartine some things didn’t go right and some things did but we’ll work with these players and look to improve the side and develop the structure and help players progress into the first team squad.

Martin Skinner and Ricky Cheyne have had me involved with the first team on match days and being one of the older boys, I’m experienced and like to help them where I can.“